Achim Maerz - Channel 04

Achim Maerz - Channel 04After only four worthy releases, it's not clear why the Freund Der Familie crew needed to create a sub-label for like-minded sounds. Nonetheless, the debut release on FDF Raw has been handed to the unknown Achim Maerz whose only track to date appeared last year on the equally solitary release from the Dérive Schallplatten label. The limelight certainly doesn't show any weaknesses in his armour. "Channel 04" is driving, edgy and totally catchy dance floor dub techno. And as always with FDF releases, there is a little element that tips the balance from good to great. In this case, Maerz creates a compelling sense of urgency with broken hi-hat patterns, panicked chords and glacial washes that open and close over the deep spaces like a narcotised eye.

Sven Weisemann turns up on the flip. His mix cools thing down a little, but not as far as the cerebral noodling of his Xine album, but more in line with this jazzy dub-house tunes. Resonant and pensive, Weissemann refracts the glacial elements into a more icy and crystalline late-night track.